This is an interesting topic, and has stirred up a bit of controversy. Mass. wants to introduce timbers to an island in the Quabbin, where they will be relatively undisturbed by and inaccessible to people. It's an interesting idea, and has the locals running for their snake shot shells. A group of people started a petition on change.org to stop the project. The associated Facebook page was interesting at first, but quickly got out of control and the moderators have decided to ban everyone who comments in favor of snakes. They have no interest in learning anything about timber rattlesnakes. A counter-petition was generated, and the pro signatures have now exceeded the anti signatures. I expect the final outcome will have important implications for rattlesnake conservation everywhere. There have been many stories in the press.

Yes TravisK, unfortunately it looks like that. It is nothing new. Many people have fear of snakes, especially venomous snakes. It is possible that we are actually born with this, an evolutionary vestige from our time spent as monkeys! But that was a long time ago. If you think this project is worth a try, please sign the petition to support. Keep in mind that this "voting" is nothing like a referendum on the issue. It is simply a social media reaction to the plan. Most likely, this plan will go forward. But who knows?

I know Ma had a head start thing going with black rat snakes. It was very low key and used amateurs to raise the snakes. I don't know how successful it was or if its still going on. I think NEHS may have or did have something on their website.

I be interested to hear more on that for perspective on the timber project. Probably somebody reading this can fill us in.